On Campus Page 07

rcury charter debate rages the proposed

, ... tWt.~r already hav­approved by

State College's legislative

Mercury staff are preparing to

document by • formal b,earing.

occupied the of the Feb. 1, 1999

issue inspired ~"renlies which included .-...... Yvonne King's res-

18 Mercury advisor, potential lawsuits,

IlIaltenled withdraw by prominent GSC

would agree with Dr. Bruce Flack that we are not just reacting to that," states Edward F. Palm, GSC's Language Division Chair,

. and also interim Mercury advisor following said Mercury issue. "For a long time now, the college just hasn't paid enough attention to The Mercury."

According to Palm, the char­ter is simply a means of effecting the time-tested 'with freedom comes responsibility' adage. "Ev~n though The Mercury is a college newspaper intended to provide a journalistic learning environment, no Mercury editor or advisor is lawsuit exempt," he says. "And Glenville State College, as the paper's publisher, can obviously not deny its responsibility in that regard."

Palm is quick to voice how the proposed charter is not an attempt at censorship or editorial control.

"As the charter now stands," continued Palm, "It otTers little in the way of actu­al college lawsuit protection; angry plaintiffs tend to look for deep pockets, which in this case is the college, not The Mercury. We had to effect a document which shows we, as faculty, students and adults, are both aware and caring of what becomes included in the college newspaper."

But the charter has not been compiled without potential pitfalls. Because

of no available precedent for chartering an already-exist­ing organization, the charter posed interesting problems while researched then walked through proper chan­nels and committees. For example, the document in its original draft offered poten­tial breach of First Amendment boundaries .

Following the draft char­ter's official appearance Dec. 15, 1998, Terry L. Estep, Mercury Production Manager and former Mercury Chief Editor, voiced several con­cerns in a Dec. 17 letter dis­tributed to thirteen staff and faculty members. ·One con­cern focused upon a portion of the charter stating, "The advisor, as the representative of the publisher, has the right of final determination as to the appropriateness of any news story, feature article, editorial, illustration, photo­graph, or ad."

"This is simply not true," he rebutted, proceeding with, "The advisor can form an opinion about the appropriateness of anything he/she chooses and can give advice accordingly before the paper goes to press if stu­dents ask for such advice, but that advice is non-binding."

GSC's State systems counselor noticed also, sug­gesting the passage be revised. It was reworded, "The student editor should consult regularly with the

udent Spotlight: Glenville State College. He wrote that GSC is close to his home town and has the same

Kelley, better basics as most of the other around campus as schools in the state, including a 21 year old junior. the large ones. Since he has

lives on campus in always excelled in math and Hall. Billy is a double science, choosing a major was

in Chemistry and an easy choice. He is' happy He plans on graduat- that GSC is preparing him for

of 2000, with hon- the real world and that the stu­graduation, Billy is dents from here are just as

to go to the West competitive as students from .... ia University School of different schools.

Billy is extremely busy, not only with his school work, but with many other social activi-

BJ Woods, lletcuty

ties. He is the secretary for the Glenville Chapter of the American Chemical Society, treasurer for the Alpha Iota

Chri.

GSC Student Congress debates the proposed Mercury charter.

advisor, as the representative of the publisher, regarding the appropriateness ... "

Estep's letter addressed the lack of safeguards for the advisor from professional harm by both students and faculty. Estep also objected to the provision whereby the advisor appoints staff mem­bers "in consultation with the editor-in-chief." Instead, Estep argued that the editor­in-chief is responsible for appointing staff.

The possibility of a Student Congress member on the Publications Committee was addressed, and the need for safeguards against the Committee potentially with­hoMing Mercury funding " .. .in retaliation or in antici­pation of content it deems inappropriate. "

The charter's petition/

challenge, primarily engi­neered by Estep, addresses seven primary issues, to include limiting the advisor's capacity to retaliate for edito­rial decisions, and the col­lege's unconstitutional ability to withhold Mercury funding based on content. Also of concern is the charter's lack of an explicit statement con­cerning the advisor's ability to dictate newspaper content.

Says Palm concerning the charter's petition, "If they fmd pitfalls in there that we hadn't anticipated, we'll go back to the drawing board; we'll change it; we'll fix it, so we'll have a solid charter we can all live with."

~ Estep states, "Everyone agrees that a charter is neces­sary, but we can avoid future conflicts by making these changes now."

B ill K-e II Y Chapter of Chi Beta Phi, date computers with faster recording secretary for the Internet access. " Other aspira­Pickens Hall Judicial Board, a tions for GSC included, "a Freshman Counselor, and trea- higher rate of acceptance lev­surer for the Pickens Hall els into graduate and profes­Governing Board. Billy is also sional schools to give a winner of the Mary Jo Pribble Glenville State College a scholarship for outstanding 'name.' I would also like for sophomore in chemistry. GSC to be known as a science

When asked what changes and math school." he would like to see in the Billy shows that one can Science and Math Department, come to college, excel in stud­Billy responded, "I think we ies, and keep an extremely should have better lab equip- busy schedule, all at one time . ment and instrumentation. I This may be unbelievable for also think that Science and many people, but Billy has Math could use more up-to- made it work.

-!~ . . -, '

Mercury Op-Ed Page 11

etters to the ed itor

letter is by no means to demean anyone or previously work­

The Mercwy, including

New Dictionary I

we had! do know that before his

every editor, including was given a copy of a which outlined, in

detail, every aspect of Mercury's] operation.

isor Alecha Cauffman this manual in

This, if not a charter, nec­reflects the charter

"lost" because it specifies JPUl/)IJ(:ati~Jns under the pub-

lic relations department? Ten days is a mighty short

time for a campus not versed in student press law to know what to challenge. It looks as if you are ramming it [the charter] through. After a summary of a challenge is submitted to the president, then what?

The West VIrginia Board of Education adopted what was called a Student's Bill of Rights Nov. 25, 1968. Printed in the January 14, 1968 issue of The Mercwy in clear and concise language, the sixth paragraph delineates a stUdent free-press and does not even tie it to stu­dent fees; "The value of a free and independent student press is recognized. Student editors and managers have the free­dom to report factual matters and to express editorial view­points, which need not reflect the viewpoints of the faculty or administration. The freedom of expression necessitates adher­ence to the canons of responsi­ble journalism, including avoidance of libe~ indecency, undocumented allegations, attacks on personal integrity, and techniques of harassment and innuendo. Editors and managers shall be subject to removal only for proper and stated causes and only through orderly and prescribed proce­dures."

When GSC expects the highest journalistic ideals, does it mean The Washington Post, The New York Tunes, The Charleston Gazette, or The Glenville Democrat? When the college expects illustrations to be in good taste, does it mean like Cosmopolitan or The Traders Guide? Or does it mean like the Nov. 4, 1996 edi­tion of The Charleston Gazette? The one that pictures Charlotte Pritt kissing a dog on the left of the front page, while now Gov. Cecil UndeIWood is teaching a Sunday school class on the right? Taste is a matter

of opinion that can be arbitrari­ly shifted according to whim. The Gazette pictures were not very civil, and could be con­strued to be defamatory consid­ering the context, which was the day of the election. No major professional newspaper or magazine clutters its mast­head in such a manner [described in the charter]. Such information is reserved for the editorial page, as is any dis­claimer.

The requirements of the editor's position are vague and rather low. They are not tied to any experience in the Mercwy office (most editors know how to manage the office by work­ing there). You would think someone capable of under­standing the highest ideals of journalism would have at least a 3.0 grade average. The option to waive the first and/or third requirements means someone could swoop-in to become edi­tor, insulting people who have been "earning their stripes", doing the groundwork of reporting etc; and {such a per­son] may not be conducive to a co-operative effort. Does "compensating merit" mean any type of military experi­ence?

In my opinion, the [char­ter] proposal is a pastiche of vague authoritative strictures, thinly veiled to insure the chair­man of the language division ( by the way, "chairman of the language division" is only cap­italized when prefacing a name) can have complete con­trol of The Mercwy, while simultaneously ignoring it by placing all responsibility upon the editor and the advisor. The language chair, not the advisor, . should be responsible for rep­resenting the interests of GSc. The language of this proposal is perfectly set up for abuse. I fear that, instead of being an honor; the editorship will be burdensome because of the

monkey on its back.

-Eugene Breza

I know that parking on campus is a problem. I would like to thank everyone for their cooperation in refraining from parking in the lot behind the Wesley Center. However, it seems there are still a few who have not recieved the word The lot behind in this lot will be towed. I hope you will work with me in resolving this prob­lem the "easy" way. Thanks a bunch.

- Mike Ford Wesley Center Director

~ . . ~ ,:~) ,~

~ ~ - . -' ~ • ~ ,Y ""~

Dear Editor, I have realized now

that the WWJD(What Would Jesus Do) articles of faith are working! The WWID phe­nomena started a few years back; its purpose being to help the distracted people of America take a moment to critically analyze the destruc­tive direction in which our cul­ture is heading. Christianity is fulfIlling and enlightening. Those who choose to acknowl­edge a higher power than then1selves delight in the fact that they are in search of the Truth. WWID articles of faith are of low cost to the purchas­er, and beneficial to the prole­tariat (working class).

If a GOD revolution must start as a fad, so to speak, then so be it Salvation goes to those who believe and honor the ways of the Lord. Jesus also said to his apostles, "Go out and spread the good news to all that will listen." Is this not what wearers of WWJD arti­cles do, in the least offensive

way possible? Yes, they made you, my brother, think enough to write a letter

to refute the' new way of life that could begin by one small reminder of faith. There is not only one 'golden rule', but ten commandant to live by. Jesus was brought to earth to die for our sins; sins that usually occur as a result of ''thinking for ourselves."

Humanity models past generational thinking. Every thing is circular. Most people do not stand alone in modes of belief; so trends are bom If you believe in creation, man was created in the likeness of God, therefore, Jesus was created in the same essence. We will never be as perfect as the Lord, yet it leaves the common man with something to strive for! We as Christians have a moral, faithful, and ethical obligation to follow the Lord as closely as human ability allows. Every day a man dies, everyday a per­son is faced with problems to solve. Is this not what hap­pened to Jesus?

Yes, today people need God more than ever. If at-shirt or some accessory reminds a person of the most perfect man ever created, or brings them back to worship, may the pro­ponents of industry keep pro­ducing these hanrrliess reminders of Christ I hope I have represented, not only the Christian community fairly in this letter, but also my savior, Jesus Christ What would he do? Forgive!

God Bless, M.Gelsi

Page 12 SciencelTech

THE VIRTUAL LIBRARIAN: . com . net . e d u By Ben Bruton Staff Columnist

Let's turn our attention to a tiny string of islands in the South Pacific. I'm speaking of Tuvalu, nine little islands located some 2000 miles northeast of Australia.

I just wonder who is going to "teach the Tuvalu natives how to

check their e;'mail.

Oman (.om), and St. Helena (.sh), are all in demand for their nifty-sounding two­letter suffixes.

Tuvalu's domain suffix is . tv, and is highly mar­ketable since those two letters are instantly recog­

Tuvalu doesn't have much to offer besides sand, surf, and sun (but hey, isn't that enough?).

The groundwater isn't fit for drinking, the farm­land is poor, and there's almost no mineral resources. The population averages about 10,000, and there's not a whole lot in the way of career opportunities. What else can be said for a country

whose chief export . is dried coconut meat?

One thing Tuvalu does have is an Internet domain name, thanks to the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority. A domain name is the part of an Internet address that tells the user who the web page belongs to. All domain names end in a two or three letter suffix.

The domain name for Glenville State College, for instance, is .edu, which · stands for educa-tional institution.

Commercial businesses are assigned .com as their domain name, such as hotmail.com.

Since just about all of the cool-sounding domain names ending in .com are either already owned, reg­istered, or being sold to the highest bidder, many companies are now opting to buyout the domain names of small underde­veloped countries.

All of a sudden, Tuvalu and other strange places you've never heard of like Tonga (.to), Niue (.nu),

nizable to anyone who money for a owns or watches televi- has a yearly sion. As a result, many income of less television-related busi .. nesses are interested in adopting the Tuvalu domain name as their own.

Recently, . Tuvalu's Prime Minister, Bikenibeu Paeniu (care to pronounce, anyone?), signed a deal with a Canadian company that will be responsible for selling the .tv domain name to broadcasting com­panies in the United

Science with the Particle Lad NASA starts comet chaSing

ByBJWoods Staff Columnist

manned lunar landing.

Stardust, a 848 pound robot, is about the size of a phone booth. This is NASA's newest creation. Stardust was launched on Sunday, hurtling through the universe on its seven year mission to go and cap­ture bits and pieces of a comet's cloud and return these particles to Earth. A last minute radar problem caused the Saturday delay of Stardust.

What makes this mis­sion so unique? This is the first time NASA has sent a robot on a particle gather­ing mission from beyond our moon. The last such NASA expedition was Apollo 17 in 1972. Apollo 17 was also the last

Scientists feel that the extra work, money, and effort put forth will be well worth it. Stardust is the first mission for the United States totally devoted to a comet. Over the next four years, NASA plans to launch three more space­craft. Out of these, NASA hopes to land two.

Comets are often referred to as frozen time capsules. They are icy, rocky bodies thought to be some of the original build­ing blocks of our solar sys­tem. They may have vari­ous compounds that will show us how life was formed. Scientists believe that 4 billion years ago, Earth was continually bombarded with comets. Scientists believe that the

comet particles will tell us Vietnam Veterans of the beginnings of our Memorial in" Washington. solar system. As we sit here in

Other features of Glenville and wonder Stardust will be beneficial about our solar system, we to scientists. The thick can dream of the shields covering it will day in 2006, t::;iiJI~!;::~ protect it from the pelting w h e particles it will travel S tar d u s t through as it nears the ret urn s comet. An onboard camera with all will give the scientists a the infor­close-up view of the mati on it comet. gathered.

Other notables from Who knows?

I ' , : i

Earth aboard Stardust are a That information may pair of silicon chips con- contain the keys that will taining more than one 'mil- unlock our heritage. lion names of individuals If you have any ideas, from around the world. suggestions or comments, These names were submit- please feel free to email the ted via the Internet, just for Particle Lady at this expedition. Included gscOI293@mail.wvnet.edu. on these chips are the Until next week, take care as 58,200 names of men and you travel down the halls of women etched on the

E'lERY80DY DOES I"! EVeRYBODY DOES Ii! '" ~-.....

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Fun Stuff Page 13

Horoscope from The Associated Press ARIES: (March 2 I - tarian types may get in your

April 20) - Tact and foresight way, so pursue independent will further your career goals. projects. Your financial outlook Hard work will payoff sooner is on the upswing. Pressures at than you think. Your family life work wiII probably ease up, is changing, a bit more rapidly and your cheerful mood is con­than you are comfortable with, tagious. Share the passion and

'---~-P"G-~-S-Wl-\,b;--:r-!--'a but the change will be for the romance with your lover. WE'VE gea.J \~vrreD good. Express your ideas. SCORPIO: (October 24 -rO-UU;:SECJlElRl>SE TAURUS: (April 21 - - November 22) - Be sure to G~VENJLlBII-E£ .' i-I16t1 FIVES ANI) MJ5S May 2 I) - If you've been feel- think before you speak, or you J..EWlNS/(YS B/.lTT5 'N' ing depressed, ride it out and may come off sounding like an 8/)NGOS BASH.'

the feeling will be replaced opinionated pain in the neck. with the urgency to accomplish Take it easy if you're feeling tasks you've been putting off washed out, the flu may be for some time. You are full of coming on. There's nothing energy, even aggression, don't happening at work that can't overdue it though. wait until tomorrow.

GEMINI: (May 22 - SAG ITT A R IUS: I-______ ~=--. _--:-----:---~ _------_ r-7--~ ............. n__......... June 21) - Try to stay centered, (November 23 - December 21)

because all those around you - This may not be the best time are in quite a funk. Co-workers to interact with others. You and are grumpy and your mate your sweetheart experience a wants to squabble. This tension clash of egos, so play it cool. If will continue to drain your confused about your motives, energy until you take time out wait until you are seeing things for you - pamper yourself and more clearly to sort out the sit­buy something special. uation. A vacation is a great

CANCER: (June 22 - idea. t-........ "'-I-I~~-.....I L...x.::iiII:==L_----I ~::..::~....:::==::..,(£!.~.~B:tmLl!!::.....5::i!!~ July 23) - It's a pretty unevent- CAP RIC 0 R N :

ful week, don't expect much (December 22 - January 20) -from those close to you. The people around you need Resolve financial questions for your help just when you want long and short term invest- to hide out and get your own ments, easing a loved one's act together, try to at least listen mind. You will accomplish to their problems. Play it cool more than expected, despite with colleagues who may opposition from a foe. demand a confrontation. Any

LEO: ~July 24- August tensions from earlier in the 23) - You are on top of the week seem to be gone for good. world both emotionally and AQUARIUS: (January physically. Take advantage of 21 - February 19) - A fiiend the high energy to convince with problems may need to those around you about an idea talk. Laughter in this situation you've been toying with for will be the best medicine. A co­sometime. You are surrounded worker is looking for a fight, so by love, so show you appreci- try to keep a low profile and ate it. The pace at work is hec- don't be a target. Make sure to tic. think before you speak, your

VIRGO: (August 24 - bluntness may land you in trou-September 23) Many ble. demands will be made on your PISCES: (February 20 time. Watch out just where you - March 20) - This week spend your energies and with promises to be full of fun, who. Share any dreams with laughter and fiiendship. All your mate - you are able to read you need to do is be yourself. each other's mind. Your You may be feeling that every­evenings are made for thing is against you at work -romance. Expect a battle of the obstacles are only tempo­wills in the workplace. rary. If you accept a new cha!­

UBRA: (September 24 lenge, you can increase your - October 23) - A few authori- income.

Page 14

GSC scores WVIAC Player of the Week

Associated Press

PRINCETON, W.Va. Salem-Teikyo 's Frank McQueen and Glenville State's Kelly Osborn are the West Virginia Conference men's and women's basket­ball players of the week beginning on February I.

McQueen, a 6-foot-4 junior guard from Washington, D.C., averaged 13.5 points and eight rebounds in two victories last week.

Osborn, a 5-9 sopho­more forward from Sand Fork, averaged 31.5 points and nine rebounds in two victories. She hit 60 percent of her field goals and 90 per­cent of her free throws.

The players were named on February 8.

Sports February 15,

GSC Men Getting Primed Co Conference Tournament

By Craig Lovejoy Staff Reporter

The Glenville State College men's basketball team just finished a two game home-stand where they hung tough with two quality teams. The first game pitted GSC against the West Virginia State Yellowjackets in a key con­ference showdown. Led by the hot shooting of Terry Clark and Floyd Burgher, the Pioneers took a com­manding 49-36 lead into the locker room.

Good foul shooting and tough defense helped the Pioneers hold off the charg­ing Yellowjackets 86-73. The Pioneers had a very balanced scoring attack with four play-

ers scoring in double figures. Leading the way was Clark with 26, Burgher with 16, Salim Lazreg with 13, and Tom Ewing with 10.

The Pioneers also crashed the boards very well out­rebounding the Jackets 54-37. Leading the way in rebounds were Clark and Isiah Carter, both with 11, and David Davis with 9.

Two days later, Salem Teikyo Tigers, ranked second nationally, invaded the Pioneer gymnasium. They carried with them a record of 20-1 with a 14-0 record in conference play. After an all Tiger first half which saw them hold a 49-29 halftime lead, the Pioneers stonned back in the second half, only to lose 90-77. The Pioneers

were Salim with 25 Terry Clark 23, and Burgher with 13 Lazreg his prowess a perfect ing game of including 5-from 3 land.

T h

improvement lately and could be a very tough team to contend with in the WVIAC tournament. With a record of 8-14(6-10 in conference), the Pioneers can easily shock some

higher ranked the young talent coming through for Pioneers, they further than a lot of expected them to.

Cash vs. Parity By Craig Lovejoy SlIljJ Columnist

In the world of profession­al sports, money rules. The larger cities have all the money, and the top-notch players are consistently signing bigger and bigger contracts. While this is all understandable considering the incredible amount of money that professional sports has generated in the last twenty years, one disturbing trend has developed: the top players sign only with the richest teams. In the last few years, the owners of professional sports teams have tried to remedy this prob­lem with something called a salary cap.

A salary cap is basically a set amount of money that each team's total player salary can­not exceed. This way, small markets will be on even ground with big markets when signing top players. This idea, hated by players and usually a main focal point in contract negotia-

tions, has led to strikes and lockouts (i.e. the recent basket­ball lockout). The players' main argument is that with a cap on their salaries, the owners get the bulk of the money that the players generate.

The NFL's installed salary cap system allows teams with smart front offices to compete against teams backed by big money. Smaller market teams like the Buffalo Bills and Green

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462-7098 - 101 West Main Street Bay Packers would have little ...... -----------------------------1 chance of getting top players if there were no salary cap.

I personally believe that salary caps are necessary in sports today. Having one enables small market teams like the Montreal Expos and' the Dallas Mavericks to protect their top draftees and minor-lea­guers in free agency from teams Like the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Lakers. Hopefully, all sports will operate under a salary cap. Then we can get away from the hype and back to the game.

It's okay, big boy. We'll dry those tears.

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